I am STILL trying to find doctor #27. I wrote back in April about this search here. Since then I have changed tack, and decided to put the mitochondrial person on hold for now, and seek out another endocrinologist. A thyroid specialist this time because I still think the experience I had while taking thyroid meds is very significant, but no doctor can explain it, or indeed even seems very interested.
A friend of mine have me the name of her endo, who is a thyroid guy. He is both highly recommended by her and very highly regarded in his professional field. He seems ideal. So I called to make an appointment. Now, my healthcare plan does not require doctor referrals for specialists, so I am used to just calling specialists to make an appointment. The very nice receptionist at Dr Thyroid's office explained that the good doctor pre-screens his patients. I need a note from my doctor, explaining why he thinks it is a thyroid problem, as well as recent bloodwork. The bloodwork is no problem. I've got bloodwork results for miles. So I explained my situation to her, and she said if I just write a brief explanation with the bloodwork, the doc would review and decide if he should take my case.
OK I do understand that he doesn't want to waste either of our time, but having to make a case in writing seemed a bit OTT to me. And at back of this lurks the confidentiality issue. What if I send him me medical records, and he refuses to take me case? So he is not my doctor, yet he is in possession of a lot of me records. Where does that leave me vis-a-vis confidentiality? Not that I don't trust the man, and I know some specialists routinely practice this kind of screening (The Chiari Institute immediately comes to mind) But I do wonder about patient protection and confidentiality in these scenarios. HIPAA probably has provisions for this, but what about for people from abroad? But I digress...
My brief explanation ran to three pages.
In fairness, I did keep the salient points on the first page, with a little table of explanation. Then on page two and three I gave some history and details on what has already been tried and what has been ruled out.
I ended up sending an 18 page fax. That was just for the endo stuff. I had been tempted to include some ER records but I left them out for now. I and bring them when (if) I see him.
So I am waiting for his office to get back to me to let me know if Dr Thyroid will see me or not.
You know it was lucky for me I had a good day yesterday. I was able to sit down and write a coherent three-page document. Last week, I needed to write a three line letter about my car, and it took me
three days to psych myself up to it, and then about 5 attempts to get it (almost) right. Three lines! I know motivation plays a (large) part, but I really think my braincells are dying at an accelerated rate. However, that is a whole 'nother post.
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